“France Blocks US Ambassador’s access to ministers after he fails to attend meeting” The Guardian, Feb. 24th
Letter to M. Charles Kushner, Ambassadeur Extraordinaire et Plénipotentiaire des Etats-Unis d’Amérique auprès de la République française et de la Principauté de Monaco:
« Excellency, Mister Ambassador, Dear M. Kushner, this could be a blessing in disguise. Your deputies will spend hours listening to la crème de la crème of France’s énarques presenting France’s world view to America. In the meantime, if they still allow you to leave your residence, you could have real fun. Here are a few opportunities:
- March 2/10: Paris Fashion Show, lots of shows, free booze and food
- From March 3rd, Renaissance : De Vinci, Raphaël, Michel-Ange, Atelier des Lumières, Paris
- From February 7th, Les couleurs de Matisse et Frida Kahlo, Bassin des Lumières, Bordeaux
- From February 13th, Picasso, l’Art en mouvement et Frida Kahlo en plein Coeur, Baux de Provence
- May 12th to 23rd: Festival de Cannes (careful, there might be a few French ministers there)
- June 5th to 7th: Weekend des Grands Crus in Bordeaux: Owners will receive in their Châteaux for diner; they’ll be happy to wine and dine you for free if you promise to talk to your son’s wife’s father about taxes on French wines in the US
Professionally, you won’t miss a lot: French prime minister and ministers are being replaced every three to six months, most of them are nobodies, and next year, after May’s presidential election, they will all be gone. Moreover, nowadays, decisions are made in Brussels. Enjoys your posting in France, yours, diplomatically, SH.”